Also known as America’s “second war for independence,” the War of 1812 was an American victory over British forces in America and Canada. The war began over Native American conflicts in the Northwest Territory and the British encouraging these conflicts.
The war also began because of interference from the British with American shipping. And it wasn’t an easy win — the U.S. suffered massive defeats in the North (the loss of Fort Detroit), and the burning of the White House, the Capitol building and other important government buildings. But despite these setbacks, America emerged victorious.
The war’s last battle, the Battle of Baltimore, resulted in the British deciding they didn’t need to keep fighting this war and fighting Napoleon, so the two nations “agreed to disagree” by signing the Treaty of Ghent. Two of the battles took place in Sackets Harbor, N.Y., the site of the 18.12 Challenge Half Marathon.
To commemorate the war of 1812 and to honor the large military presence in the area (Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division), runners can participate in the 18.12 mile challenge or the half marathon (13.1 miles), both of which will begin and end on the actual historic 1812 battleground overlooking Lake Ontario.
Course Map
See the race route map for the 18.12 Challenge Half Marathon here.
